Schools closed in Rajasthan's border districts amid security concerns post Operation Sindoor

Schools closed in Rajasthan's border districts amid security concerns post Operation Sindoor

In the aftermath of India's missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) under Operation Sindoor, a precautionary school holiday has been declared in Rajasthan’s border districts, including Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer. Authorities have ordered all government and private educational institutions to remain closed until further notice, citing national security concerns and the safety of school children.

Barmer District Collector Tina Dabi issued a formal notification under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, announcing that all government and non-government schools, CBSE-affiliated institutions, madrasas, Anganwadis, and play schools up to Class 12 will remain closed from May 8. Scheduled home or common examinations have also been postponed. School staff have been instructed to report on time, and non-compliance will invite action under the Disaster Act.

Similar directives have been issued in Bikaner by District Collector Namrata Vrishni and in Sri Ganganagar by Collector Dr Manju. Both districts invoked Section 30 of Chapter 4 of the Disaster Management Act to enforce the school closures.

In Jaisalmer, District Collector Pratap Singh also declared a shutdown of educational institutions beginning May 8, echoing similar safety directives and exam postponements. All orders stressed strict adherence and warned of action against heads of institutions failing to comply.

The closures come amid heightened alert across the border following India's targeted strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). These were in retaliation to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The Indian Army remains on high vigil following reports of ceasefire violations from across the border.

The school holidays are a proactive measure aimed at minimizing civilian vulnerability as military tensions escalate in the region.

(with inputs from ANI)